I was introduced to “Nostralis” in 1989 when I first arrived in Australia. Nostralis was first opened in April 1981 by my uncle, being a vegetarian himself, he experienced difficulty finding places that served vegetarian food, as a result he was pleased to have established Nostralis with 8 recipes on his menu and over time increased the number to include many different flavors . Our menu now has 22 different recipes which can also be prepared both vegan and gluten free as well. My uncle is now enjoying his retirement and after working with him for 8 years, I have taken over the establishment ……. Nostralis is celebrating its 36th birthday this year.

Where are you located?

We are located in one of melbourne’s most beautiful suburbs Claulfield, right on the corner of Hawthorn & Balaclava Rd. There is a beautiful park close by, some of our customers like eating their pizza while enjoying the park as well. Some also choose to share their pizza with the ducks in the small lake, it seems that now the ducks have become quite selective and do not eat anything else that is given to them…………

What are your specialities?

Our most popular pizza is “Vindaloo” which is also the hardest to make, I believe it is the only pizza in world where you can not see the ingredients or the quantity used other than on the menu because the ingredients are pre cooked for 6/7 hours on low heat. We have customers that have said “Yukkkkkk, how can you have pizza with banana’s or sultana’s “ have tasted it and have being ordering the same pizza for 20 years now.

What's your personal favorite thing on the menu?

My personal favorite thing on the menu, which also happens to be one of our specialties, is the Nostralis Special. One of our pizzas with the most ingredients, packed with healthy veggies, and lots of taste. Capsicum, onion, olives, soya beans, pineapple, beanshoots for that extra crunch, and chili and garlic and herbs for the extra kick. Looks like a mountain before it goes into the oven..

What's on the stereo?

Some easy to listen to instrumental music- personally I like to put on some Yanni- helps to relax and great to enjoy food time.

Where else should we visit in your area?

Truth be told, if you are after fast, tasty, healthy plus vegetarian, l would recommend Lord of The Fries to everyone. I hope that they open one in every suburb that way people will stop eating dead flesh and realize that there are alternatives.

Do you host any special events?

Because our shop is quite small we do not host events, however if customer want our pizza’s for their parties/events they can pre order and we will prepare for pick up semi cooked, all that is required is that they further cook it for 3-4 minutes in pre-heated oven and serve. We can cater for 15 to 20 people on the premises.

Is there anything else you'd like us to know?

Our pizzas are quite in depth- we use 100% organic wholemeal flour, animal rennet free cheese, with an option of cheezly soya cheese for the vegan community, and also have gluten free base options available to satisfy even more dietary requirements.
We use Deliveroo, Menulog, and Uber eats which deliver within a 5km radius of our location.

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